SRINAGAR: The Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday issued a detailed traffic advisory announcing regulated movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and several other key roads due to slow traffic, damaged road stretches, landslide-prone areas and the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
According to the advisory, traffic remained slow on NH-44 from 6 pm on August 1 to 4 pm on August 2 because of a single-lane stretch near Mehad-Udhampur, uneven road surface at Dalwas and Udhampur, the single-lane section between Marog and Kishtwari Pathar, and the breakdown of two vehicles at Marog and Magarkote.
The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rainfall over the next few days. In view of the weather, commuters have been advised to undertake journeys only after confirming the status of the highway through the Traffic Control Units (TCUs) at Srinagar, Ramban or Jammu, or by checking updates from the Traffic Police Twitter handle and Facebook page.
Traffic authorities said movement on the Dalwas-Udhampur stretch is being regulated because only a 30-40 metre portion of the road remains single-lane.
The advisory also warned that due to road damage near Mehad and Dalwas, coupled with poor visibility caused by monsoon rains, local commuter vehicles within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will not be allowed to ply between Nashri and the Navyug Tunnel in both directions. Only local traffic carrying valid identification proving residence in the area will be permitted.
Private vehicles travelling from Srinagar to Jammu have been advised to use the Mughal Road via Shopian instead of the Jawahar Tunnel to avoid congestion at Lamber and other bottlenecks. Similarly, commuters travelling to Batote, Doda, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar and adjoining areas have been asked to use the Batote-Patnitop route instead of NH-44.
Authorities have strongly discouraged unnecessary travel between Ramban and Banihal, particularly near landslide and shooting stone zones. Passenger Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) have also been advised to avoid night travel on the Jammu-Srinagar highway because of the risk of landslides, shooting stones and ongoing construction work between Ramban and Banihal.
Operators of goods carriers transporting fresh perishable produce have been advised to load vehicles as per the Traffic Police advisory so that Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) can move smoothly on designated days. Fruit growers transporting produce from the Valley towards Jammu have also been asked to load and park vehicles in advance before 8 am to facilitate smoother movement.
The Traffic Police further directed HMV operators not to overload vehicles and to ensure their vehicles are mechanically fit and adequately fuelled before starting the Jammu-Srinagar journey.
Traffic Plan
Subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, LMVs, including passenger vehicles and private cars, will be allowed to move in both directions on NH-44.
Traffic from Jammu towards Srinagar will be released after assessing road conditions, while HMVs carrying goods will be allowed from Jammu towards Srinagar only after the movement of LMVs. No vehicle will be allowed to use the alternate Mughal Road before the Jammu-Srinagar traffic is released.
Amarnath Yatra Movement
The advisory said the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra convoy will move according to the schedule issued by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board.
Passenger vehicles travelling towards Srinagar will be allowed to cross Nagrota between 7 am and 12 noon, while vehicles from Qazigund towards Jammu will be allowed between 11:30 am and 5:30 pm. Traffic Control Units at Jammu and Srinagar will announce road status and cut-off timings. No vehicle will be allowed to move before the designated timings.
HMVs will be allowed to travel from Qazigund towards Jammu only after assessing road conditions and the prevailing traffic situation. Empty tankers, oil and LPG carriers, and other empty heavy vehicles will be routed through the Mughal Road on the days when the up convoy of HMVs is scheduled on NH-44.
Army and other security force convoys have been advised to plan their movement after the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) convoy timings to minimise disruption to civilian traffic.
Other Road Advisories
On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag Road, LMVs will be allowed to ply in both directions between 8 am and 4 pm, while traffic between Daksum and Anantnag will be permitted from 9 am to 4 pm. No vehicle will be allowed after the notified cut-off timings.
Traffic on the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri Road will remain subject to weather conditions and road clearance. LMVs will be allowed from both directions between 10 am and 3 pm, with motorists advised to maintain a safe distance and avoid overtaking.
The Mughal Road will remain open to LMVs and HMVs carrying up to 10-tyre loads, subject to favourable weather. Passenger vehicles will be allowed from both Poonch and Shopian sides after road clearance and approval from the concerned district administrations.
The Traffic Police advised people to verify road conditions before beginning their journey by contacting the Traffic Control Units at Jammu (0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147722, 103), Srinagar (0194-2450022, 2482865, 18001807091, 103), Ramban (9419993748, 1800-180-7043), Udhampur (8499136255), or through the Police Control Rooms at Kishtwar and Kulgam.
